Government

70th ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY IN EUROPE

The 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day will be commemorated from Friday 8 May – Sunday 10 May 2015. St Helena will be echoing the events in London in commemoration of those who contributed to the War effort throughout the Second World War.

An Act of Remembrance will be held on Friday, 8 May with a Service at the Cenotaph in Jamestown at 2.55pm. There will be a two minute silence, marking the moment Sir Winston Churchill broadcasted his speech formally announcing the end of the War.

Members of the public are invited to attend this Service which will be led by the Vicar General, The Venerable Dale Bowers. There will not be a March on Parade on this occasion but everyone taking part in the service is asked to assemble at the Cenotaph by 2.50pm.

Also on Friday, 8 May at 9.32pm a Beacon will be lit on the Terrace directly above the Archway in Jamestown, by the Hon Deputy Speaker, Mrs Cathy Hopkins in tribute to World War II veterans. Persons wishing to attend should assemble on the terrace no later than 9.25pm.

A Service of thanksgiving will be held at St James’ Church at 3pm on Sunday, 10 May – all are welcome to attend this service.

Notes for Editors

Victory in Europe, generally known as VE Day was formerly celebrated on 8 May to mark the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its Armed Forces, marking the end of World War II in Europe.